A vision for growth and impact

Advancing Insurance in Eastern and Southern Africa

As OESAI celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are proud of our accomplishments, from the various founding members to the team we have today, and we thank our sponsors and members for their ongoing commitment.

As the Secretary General of OESAI, I have had the privilege of leading this dynamic organization and witnessing the transformative power it holds. In this article, I reflect on the first two years of my leadership, the highlights we have achieved, and outline our vision for the future growth and impact of OESAI.

Embracing Diversity and Skill Development – The past two years have been a remarkable journey of learning and impact for me and our members. Working alongside a diversified board with representatives from Eritrea to Malawi has been an enriching experience.

Together, we have fostered skills development programs for our members, extending beyond the Eastern and Southern region. The introduction of the onside regional Queens, powered by Ghana Re, has created an engaging platform for young individuals to learn in a fun and interactive manner. These initiatives have not only enhanced our members’ capabilities but also strengthened the OEASAI brand.

Influencing Growth, Regulation, and Education – Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, our vision for OESAI encompasses becoming a prominent influencer in the insurance industry. Our strategic plan for 2024-2029 focuses on promoting growth, regulating industry practices, and advancing education.

We aspire to see OESAI play an instrumental role in shaping the insurance landscape at all levels, including the harmonization of diploma programs in the regions we operate. Additionally, our commitment to con- tinuous professional development (CPD) programs and the exploration of online training opportunities will ensure that our members stay abreast of evolving industry trends.

Facilitating Collaboration and Exchange – Collaboration lies at the heart of OESAI’s mission. We aim to foster cross-country partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing and skills exchange. Our ambition is to establish an OESAI Centre for insurance research and publications, enabling organizations from different countries within our membership to access valuable information and contribute to the collective growth of the industry.

Furthermore, we envision leadership development through regional and overseas learning visits, em- bracing the philosophy that there is no end to learning.
Engagement with Global Organizations – To maximize our impact, OESAI seeks to forge partnerships with renowned global organizations such as the United Nations and the Africa Development Bank. These collaborations will amplify our influence and enable us to tackle complex challenges facing the insurance sector. By working hand in hand with these esteemed entities, we can leverage their expertise and re- sources to drive positive change across the region.

Industry Support and Membership Growth – Our journey thus far has been buoyed by the unwavering support of the industry. With membership retention above 95% and the addition of new members, we are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by our members. Their willingness to host and participate in our events reflects the industry’s shared vision for growth and development.

Empowering Women Leaders and Embracing Technology – A vital initiative we are pursuing is the development of the General Insurance and Reinsurance Leaders (GIRL) program. This program seeks to spotlight women leaders in insurance and establish associations for women across different countries. By empowering women leaders and supporting smaller associations, we aim to foster diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

Additionally, engaging with innovators and leveraging technology will be essential in improving insurance penetration. OESAI recognizes the importance of embracing technological advancements to create better products and services that resonate with the public.

As OESAI celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are proud of our accomplishments, from the various founding members to the team we have today, and we thank our sponsors and members for their ongoing commitment.